10 Best Stanford University Notable Alumni

Lights, camera, action! As we step into this thrilling journey of exploring the stars, which are not just found but created at Stanford University. Let’s dive deep into knowing the famous faces of Stanford University by knowing the esteemed notable Stanford alumni. Picture a campus that has not just provided a platform for the students to enhance their overall potential but also a place which works as a launching pad for some of the biggest names in the world. It’s indeed a real-life saga presented to you at Stanford University, where academia meets the silver screen and other known domains in the world ruled by the leaders known for their significant contributions in the arena.

Top 10 Stanford University Notable Alumni 

So, without any further ado, let's get to know some of the most famous Stanford alumni. If you are planning to enrol in this amazing university, then you will be sharing your alma mater with these famous folks doing exceptionally well in their respective fields:

1. Reese Witherspoon

Occupation: Famous Hollywood Actress
Degree: English Literature Major
Country of origin: USA
Studied in: dropped out in 1996

Who doesn’t know the ultimate sorority sensation, Elle Woods? Well, apart from the reel life, in real life, Reese Witherspoon is an English Literature graduate from Stanford University. Being an Academy Award recipient, Reese established herself as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2006. From being a common household name as Elle Woods to waltzing her way through award ceremonies such as the Golden Globe and Emmy and even winning most of them, her name is proudly taken in the Forbes list of the World’s 100 most powerful women in 2019 and 2021! Her net worth is estimated at $440 million.

2. Mukesh Ambani

Known for: Businessman
Degree: MBA
Country of origin: India
Studied in: 1979-1981

Who doesn’t know business tycoon Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani? Born into the influential business family of Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh is a triumphant businessman in India. His estimated net worth is around $112.1 billion, according to reports last updated in February 2024. As the richest person in Asia and the 11th richest person in the world, he is also one of the most famous Stanford University Indian alumni, according to Time magazine. He is the former chairman of Reliance Industries Limited. He enrolled at Stanford University for an MBA but dropped out early to help his father with the business. He is no doubt a notable Stanford University Indian alumni.

3. Larry Page

Known for: Cofounder of Google
Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Country of origin: USA
Studied in: 1995-1998

Larry Page is a Stanford University notable alumni who graduated with a degree in Applied Sciences. Larry co-founded Google Inc., the most prominent web search company in the world. He completed his Master of Science in Computer Science from Standford University in 1998. In 2001, Page stepped down as Google's CEO and became its president of products. Stanford University notable alumni go on to ace in their fields by studying in the top 10 best universities in the world.

4. Sally Ride

Known for: Astronaut
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in English
Country of origin: USA
Studied in: 1968-1973

Sally Ride is one of the most notable Stanford alumni who completed her graduation in English and Physics in the year 1973. Early on in her life, Sally was more inclined towards playing tennis, although, later, she gave up her plans to pursue it professionally and decided to attend Stanford University. Ride is also remembered as one of the most famous Stanford alumni because of her unparalleled contribution as a teaching assistant in Laser Physics at the university and also as a doctoral candidate. Following this, she was selected by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) as one of the women astronauts among 6 other women for the Challenger orbiter space mission, making her a Stanford University notable alumni.

5. Sundar Pichai

Known for: Head of Google
Degree: MS in Materials Science and Engineering
Country of origin: India
Studied in: 1993-1995

Sundar Pichai, the man who must be Googling “how to manage too many Chrome tabs!” is the man behind your endless Google search tabs. Born in India, Sundar pursued his Metallurgical Engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur. Later, he completed his MS in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University. He is a notable Stanford alumni who has established his strong footing in the Google world. He joined Google in 2004 and has ever since dedicated himself to the growth of the company. He has also been honoured with the third highest civilian award in India - Padma Bhushan under the category of Trade and Industry in the year 2022. Pichai definitely deserves a spot in the list of the top Stanford University alumni.

6. Rishi Sunak

Known for: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Degree: Master of Business Administration
Country of origin: England
Studied in: 2006-2007

The man who is managing Great Britain’s economy with a killer eyebrow while manoeuvring through budgets and taxes like a pro is Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He is a notable Stanford alumni, where he obtained his MBA degree. He was a Fulbright scholar at the university. His net worth at the moment is a dazzling £200 million. He graduated from Stanford University in 2006. He is the first-ever Asian-origin British Prime Minister. He has been a Member of Parliament for Richmond. 

7. Jennifer Connelly

Known for: Actress
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies
Country of origin: United States
Studied in: 1998-1999

Who knew that before stunning the audience in front of her, Jennifer Connelly was reading literature at the famous Stanford University? Yes! You heard it right. Jennifer Connelly is one of the most famous Stanford alumni who has made it big in the world of cinemas. Yes, that's right, folks! Stanford's halls once echoed with the footsteps of this talented actress before she graced Hollywood's red carpets. Jennifer enrolled at Stanford University to study drama and focused on classical theatre and improvisation. She was coached by Roy London, Howard Fine, and Harold Guskin. Know for her amazing roles in A Labyrinth (1986) and A Beautiful Mind (2001), she truly is a Stanford University famous alumni.

8. Tiger Woods

Known for: American Golfer
Degree: Economics
Country of origin: USA
Studied in: 1994-1996

This famous personality has perfected his swing at Stanford and then went on to dominate the golf arena around the world. Yes, Tiger Woods is a Stanford famous alumni who is also a famous American golfer. He was a dominant player between the late 1990s to 2000s. He is also one of the first players who went on to win four major golf tournaments consecutively. But did you know that Tiger Woods is a Stanford famous alumni. He enrolled in the year 1994 for a course in Economics. However he couldn’t finish the degree as he wanted to focus more on his game. Thinking of pursuing your studies here? Here’s to navigating Stanford University Acceptance Rates.

9. Chelsea Clinton

Known for: American Author
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History
Country of origin: USA
Studied in: 1997-2001

Presidency runs in her blood! Yes, we are talking about the only child of the well-known American politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. She has established her footing as a leading American author, educator and philanthropist. She attended Stanford University in the year 1997 and completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. As an advocate and an author, she has dedicated her life to resolving global health issues, fighting for women’s rights, and educational revolution. She has written varied bestsellers with an aim to leave an impact on society and bring change. This commendable work of hers makes her one of the most famous Stanford alumni.

10. Azim Premji

Known for: Indian Business Tycoon
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Country of origin: India
Studied in: 1966

Azim Premji is one prime example of how you don’t need to score straight To ace the business world, you just need a lot of brilliance and a titbit knowledge of the dynamic field. Premji is an Indian business entrepreneur who has established his role as chairman of Wipro Limited. He has guided his company through tough hurdles and business environment changes through the decades. He studied engineering at the Stanford University. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Stanford University in the year 1966 making him one of the Stanford University notable alumni.

So, this was all about the diverse journeys that these Stanford University notable alumni have led. It was an experience that felt like flipping through a fascinating book of the experiences and accomplishments of these famous individuals. Each of these has dedicated their lives to innovation, resilience, and a touch of Stanford spirit, which was the ultimate push they needed. Take inspiration from the famous people that went to Stanford and shoot for the stars by enrolling in Stanford University right away!